7th May 2012
business events news
business events news 7th May 2012
‘Fiji (floods) Now’ “THAT was then this is now,” said Pacific Destinations, Anthony Mason, talking about the recent Fiji floods and how they and the Fijian people are moving on. It’s just one of the many delightful characteristics of the Fijians who are not a nation given to staring at their boots and bemoaning their lot - they dust themselves off and get on with the joy of living. It’s our first night in Fiji at the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island and our famil group has taken over the hotel’s conference room and we are knee deep in donated gifts and stationery the group has begged, bought and been graciously given. Now, with the help of the Fiji Visitors Bureau and Air Pacific it arrived with us so that we can give it to local flood affected schools and we are coordinating them into backpacks and separate boxes. Later in the week BEN will present in words and pictures our experience of going to the school and the delight of the children, not just for the school equipment that was given to them but their natural love of interacting with people. If you have a conference, incentive or famil group going to Fiji, we urge you to talk to the Fiji Visitors Bureau in Sydney and see if you can give them a hand in what may be badly needed. Computers - old or new - and school and children’s books are some of the things we identified.
Above: Fiji school children show the incredible heights to which the recent floods rose.
business events news
editor: Jill Varley info@businesseventsnews.com.au www.businesseventsnews.com.au 1300 799 220
Melbourne wins WorldMUN THE Harvard World Model United Nations Conference 2013 (WorldMUN), one of the world’s largest student-led international meetings, is to be held in Melbourne next year. In announcing the meeting, the Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said Melbourne had fended off fierce competition from Spain, France and Turkey to host the event, which was expected to bring approximately 1700 delegates from around the world. “This is a coup for Victoria and is expected to generate more than $8 million for the state economy,” Asher said. “International education is Victoria’s largest export industry. “More than 160,000 international students from 165 countries were enrolled in Victorian education institutions by the end of 2011, with the sector injecting $4.8 billion into the state’s economy each year and creating an estimated 50,000 jobs for Victorians.” Melbourne Convention &
IHG’s coo resigns IHG Australasia coo, Bruce McKenzie has resigned after eight years with the company, three of which were dedicated as head of the world’s largest hotel company’s operations in the South Pacific. Bruce will remain in the role until 30 June, after which he will be replaced as interim leader by long-time colleague Bill Edwards, stepping up from his current position as director of operations NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia & New Zealand. As Australasian coo, Bruce deftly and successfully led the IHG team through the global economic crisis as well as some of the region’s most devastating crises, including the Swine Flu epidemic, Brisbane floods and Christchurch earthquakes.
Visitors Bureau’s ceo Karen Bolinger said WorldMUN 2013 was a fantastic fit for Melbourne in light of the city’s reputation as Australia’s intellectual capital. “Victoria has ten world-class universities, eight of them with campuses in Melbourne’s central business district, and this win is evidence of the high standard of students our universities are producing,” she said. “A lot of work went into this bid and everyone involved should feel very proud of what they have achieved for their city. “Melbourne’s status as ‘the world’s most liveable city’ and its reputation as the major events, live music, arts and culture, and food and wine capital will surely be a major draw card for students to attend next year’s event,” Bolinger concluded.
New Perth hotel THE Terrace Hotel, a new luxury property with 15 luxury suites and a wine vault with more than 3000 bottles amongst its many features, is to open in Perth’s CBD this July. Set amongst modern buildings, the heritage-listed St George’s House has been rebuilt with great care and attention. Evoking the period of the Great Gatsby in the 1920’s, the hotel will feature every indulgence in its suites including Bang & Olufsen sounds and television systems and Foxtel Q1. There will be two private dining rooms available for functions and business events.
WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO HAWAII
During April and May, Business Events News is giving one lucky reader the chance a win an amazing holiday for two people to Hawaii, courtesy of Hawaii Tourism, Hawaiian Airlines and The Kahala Hotel and Resort. The prize includes Hawaiian Airlines return airfares from Sydney to Honolulu, and five nights accommodation in an Ocean View Room at The Kahala Hotel and Resort. Over 6 weeks, we will feature a diffferent question in every Business Events News issue.There will be 15 questions in total, which will also be posted on our website. At the end of the month the subscriber with the most correct entries and the most creative response to the final question will win this fantastic holiday to Hawaii.
Hawaiian Airlines prides itself on Hawaiian Hospitality onboard. In 25 words or less, what does this mean to you? Hint! Visit www.hawaiianairlines.com.au
Email your answers to: hawaii@businesseventsnews.com.au Click here for terms & conditions
Page 1